HELP - I''m freaking out here!

[Ready2Sparkle]

I started planning my proposal nearly three months ago. I bought an incredible diamond and the most fantastic setting I could find. The setting had to be customed ordered and was guarenteed to be in today. It was ordered two months ago.

I leave in two days for our trip in which she will receive the ring the first evening - this Friday night. Many arrangements and costs have been involved to make everything perfect - in fact I commisioned a special painting to use in the proposal.

BUT, the ring is NOT in yet!! Is was coming from overseas and they can''t even tell me where it is at this moment. The stone is here and waiting. I have a fortune spent on this event to show her how special of a lady she is - and NO ring!! I need some help here . . . I need a contingency plan in place in case the ring is a no-show.

Does anybody have any recommendations for me? I would hate to give her a substitute just for something to give her, nothing will compare to what I have ordered. Ideas please.

 

[Erin]

If you need a place holder - I would go with a simple thin thin thin gold band (white or yellow). Anything like a Claire''s cz would confuse the first impression of what you want her to remember.

 

[Mara]

Unfortunately a substitute may be all you have...

Sometimes timing is a bitch! Overseas can be very unstable, we get alot of overseas items for our clients and we always warn them that the items could be held in customs, it really is hit or miss. We had a package for our clients for an event that was held for over a year in Germany. Yikes.

Anyway, I would set the stone into a simple Tiffany solitaire and come up with something like a cute little rhyme that would talk about the setting you have for her and how it''s stuck on a boat or somthing. Then you can attach the note to the ring with a ribbon or something and she can read it. Just a random idea on how to maybe make it cute.

Wow I really like this font, it''s all boxy and funky. Since mine has been used so often lately by others maybe I will switch!!

 

[SoonIHope]

Oh, I''m so sorry to hear that!!!

I agree with what everyone else is saying...either try to get something very plain and not-engagement-ring-like (plain band or a small gemstone) or have the center stone set in a temp setting. I think I would like that idea best because then I would still get my actual engagement diamond during my proposal, and then hopefully it won''t take long to set.

One question though - can your local jeweler set the stone into the custom setting?? I know a lot of designers say only THEY can set stones into the settings, so I hope you don''t have to mail your center stone back overseas for it to be set??

In any case, it sounds like you have a fabulous proposal planned, and she will be THRILLED with the ring, even if she doesn''t get it right at the earliest possible moment. Don''t worry too much about the placeholder setting/ring - she''ll be so caught up in the moment that she''ll be ecstatic regardless!

 

[firebirdgold]

I have a different idea,
Just propose with the diamond. Put it in a beautiful ring box or something and present it to her when you would have the completed ring. She''ll understand.

In the mean time keep your fingers crossed. It may still show up! And really unless it''s stuck in customs or came by boat, they should know where it is!

 

[aphisiglovessae]

Date: 3/1/2006 4:39:22 PM
Author: Wren
I have a different idea,
Just propose with the diamond. Put it in a beautiful ring box or something and present it to her when you would have the completed ring. She''ll understand.

In the mean time keep your fingers crossed. It may still show up! And really unless it''s stuck in customs or came by boat, they should know where it is!

I don''t know.... Easy way to lose the diamond.....

I have no idea what to suggest in this situation. It''s a tough call.

 

[Caribou]

Sorry about your dilemma. I''m a little confused though..

You have the stone and you are waiting on the setting or you are waiting on both the setting and the stone?

If you have the stone, I agree to just have it set in a temporary setting until the real one comes in. If she''s as fantastic as she says she won''t mind plus it''ll give her even more to look forward too.

You had a painting commisioned for her?!?!?!? She better not care that the setting might not be in in time.

You will defintly have to give us the proposal details.

 

[KristyDarling]

Another vote for the temp setting! Just from a woman''s perspective, she''ll want that rock on her finger ASAP after the proposal and having it in a simple, classic Tiffany is a can''t-lose situation. She can then keep the temporary setting for, say, a beautiful sapphire later on.

 

[firebirdgold]

Date: 3/1/2006 4:42:38 PM
Author: aphisiglovessae

Date: 3/1/2006 4:39:22 PM

Author: Wren

I have a different idea,

Just propose with the diamond. Put it in a beautiful ring box or something and present it to her when you would have the completed ring. She''ll understand.

I don''t know.... Easy way to lose the diamond.....

Good point, another vote for a temporary setting then!

 

[Ready2Sparkle]

Thank you for all the suggestions. I am glad to hear that I do have a contingency.

I will indeed plan to have the stone set in a simple band late today if the purchased ring is a no-show. Mara, I really liked your idea for presenting this with a note. Although I have absolutely no poetic prowess . . . here is an attempt. Please let me know what you think . . .

Although my 58 facets are certain a smile to appear
I am sadly displayed on a ring with surrogate intent
For the selected one is on a long journey from a country . . .not Zaire
I trust its absence from site will not eclipse this event
And on the day of its arrival I will certainly please
You’ll be the talk of the office & envy of ladies

 

[anchor31]

I think it''s perfect!! Wow, you sound like such a great guy, intend on pleasing your wonderful lady! Go for it, and good luck!